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Ethics and Morality (Part 2)

Lesson 1: Ethics Scenarios (Part 2)


Lessons in this series: 1 Overview Lesson Index

Instructions:
Read the following ethics scenarios, and jot down what you believe is the right or wrong thing to do and why. 
 

Scenario #1

You and a friend are planning to go out and see a movie on a Friday night. As you’re getting ready to leave, another friend calls and asks what you’re doing that night. You know that the friend you’re talking to on the phone sometimes can be jealous when you go out with other people. They are not friends with the person you’re going with, so inviting them along isn’t a real option. You can either tell them the truth or you can make something up that will get you off the phone and get you off the hook for the night. What should you do…tell the truth and hurt their feelings or tell a lie and have a fun night?


1. Is it wrong to lie to someone if it means not hurting their feelings?

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2. Is “the truth hurts” a true statement? Why/why not?

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(See Leviticus 19:11; Colossians 3:9; Proverbs 6:16-19)

 

Scenario #2

You turn on your television one night to find that you have started getting the premium cable package instead of basic cable. You’re not sure why, because you don’t pay for cable at all. What should you do, call the cable company and fess up or start popping popcorn and enjoy?

 
1. Is the above situation an example of stealing?

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2. If someone left their wallet in your car or house accidentally and never asked if you had it, is it wrong to never give it back? What’s the difference with the above story?

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(See: Exodus 20:15; Luke 18:20; Ephesians 4:28)

 

Scenario #3

A nuclear bomb is dropped on Washington D.C. and the United States is taken over by a violent dictator who hates Christians. The armies of our new government march west and make their way to our city. Sitting at home one night, you and your family are drug from your home into the street. A general points a gun at your family and asks you if you are a Christian. If you say yes, you will be spared and your family will die. If you deny Christ you will be killed and your family will be spared. What should you do?”


1. Is denying Christ ever okay? What about to save people’s lives?

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2. Would your family want you to deny Christ in this case?

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3. This may seem like an extreme example, but are there more common “deny Christ or pay the price” scenarios you face? Share examples.

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(See: Matthew 16:24; Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 14:26)

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